Commercial Boarding Up: It's Not As Expensive As You Think

Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide

In the business world, security is vital. Whether dealing with a retail shop, office building, or storage facility, securing physical possessions is essential, especially in times of crisis. One significant preventive procedure organizations can take is boarding up their premises. This post explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, methods, and finest practices for application.

What is Commercial Boarding Up?

Commercial boarding up refers to the process of momentarily protecting doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is frequently used during emergencies such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves a facility vacant for an extended period. The ultimate aim is to prevent unauthorized access, discourage theft, and protect property against damage.

Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?

The need for commercial boarding up typically emerges for several factors:

  1. Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and extreme storms can trigger considerable damage to buildings through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can reduce possible damage to doors and windows.

  2. Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are susceptible to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can prevent criminal activity and protect important inventory and equipment.

  3. Building and construction and Renovations: During repair, it might be necessary to limit access to particular areas, guaranteeing safety and security.

  4. Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for crouching or breaking and getting in. Boarding up offers protection up until the property can be secured or repurposed.

Methods of Commercial Boarding Up

There are several techniques to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can differ based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the duration for which the boards need to stay in location.

Common Boarding Materials

Product

Functions

Finest Used For

Plywood

Strong and readily available

Short-term boarding, high threat

OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

Cost-effective, good strength

Short to medium-term boarding

Metal Sheets

Very resilient, fireproof

High-security requirements, long-lasting

Lexan or Polycarbonate

Lightweight, impact-resistant

High-security glass replacement

Installation Techniques

  1. Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames utilizing screws that penetrate deeply into the wall for stability.

  2. Brackets: Use brackets to reinforce the boards, especially for larger openings.

  3. Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be utilized for added security, making sure that boards can not be quickly eliminated.

  4. Frame Construction: For extended direct exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards instead of attaching directly to the structure can be helpful.

Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up

While many boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions may be needed. Property Damage Control is vital to examine the private requirements of the property and purpose of the boarding up.

Best Practices for Boarding Up

To make sure the efficiency of commercial boarding up, specific finest practices should be followed:

  1. Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and assess the weaknesses that might be exploited throughout a crisis.

  2. Utilize the best products: Choose the suitable boarding materials based upon the level of hazard and duration of boarding up.

  3. Professional installation: For larger or greatly affected homes, engaging professional services can guarantee remarkable security and compliance with local regulations.

  4. Keep secure access points: Even while boarding up, guarantee that you have secure access points for emergency services, if necessary.

  5. Regular examinations: Periodically inspect the boarding to ensure it remains secure and undamaged, specifically after storms or high winds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding Up

What is the perfect density for plywood boarding?

A density of at least ½ inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can endure high winds and impact.

How can I remove boards after setup?

Typically, loosening the boards or eliminating bolts ought to enable for easy removal. Nevertheless, it is vital to have the proper tools on hand.

Can I board up my business myself?

Yes, many companies decide to board up themselves; however, it is frequently advised to employ specialists for bigger homes or in high-risk circumstances.

The length of time can boards keep up?

The time boards can stay in location depends upon numerous factors, including local regulations, the security required, and physical conditions affecting the property.

How do I secure my business from potential vandalism when it is closed?

In addition to boarding up, consider setting up security electronic cameras, lighting, and alarm systems to boost the total security of your property when closed.

Commercial boarding up is a strategic technique to protecting services from various potential risks, consisting of natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By comprehending numerous methods, materials, and finest practices, entrepreneur can boost the security of their properties, reduce damage, and guarantee the security of their assets. While the procedure may seem straightforward, proactively taking part in comprehensive planning and consultation may yield the very best lead to securing a business's most important investments.